She committed the offence between January 1 and February 23 when she lived in a flat on the town’s St Lawrence Street.Ms Scaife added: “The accused was interviewed under caution and she advised that the lump had become ulcerated at new year.

“Asked why she didn’t go to a vet, she replied that she never had funding.”

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher reiterated that it was Lever who called in animal welfare officers.

Mr Gallagher said: “She effectively inherited the dog following the passing of an uncle and she had it for some four years.

“The health of the animal deteriorated quickly from new year onwards.

“She had no funds for treatment but had made some calls and found the fees too expensive to pay, then she phoned the Scottish SPCA for help.

“Miss Lever is quoted as saying, ‘It’s killing me that I can’t do anything to help her.”